Mindset of excellence with Danielle Terrelonge
DIG IN and visualise what’s on the other side of uncomfortable: it’s a part of a philosophy that Danielle Terrelonge, DT to those close to her, has embraced and uses to achieve her goals.
“Nothing we want that is of value comes without discomfort. The mindset of excellence is to get to that other side, and that’s where life is juicy,” she laughs.
Danielle Terrelonge is no stranger to the marketing communications industry. With 20 years of acquired expertise, she has made her mark as a stellar communicator and marketing strategist. This track record has earned her the respect of many as she champions being one of the youngest in the field to be counted among the best marketers in the country.
Most always the shortest woman in the room with the biggest of ambitions, she learned the value of hard work from a very young age. Raised in a single-parent home, she admired her father’s uncompromising work ethic to give his family the best life possible. It is then no surprise that after becoming pregnant at 19 years old, Danielle’s drive to succeed skyrocketed.
“My daughter, Maija, is my reason. I had no choice but to succeed so that she could be afforded the same opportunities as me when I was growing up, and even more,” said Danielle. Giving birth to Maija in July of 1998, she was back in school by September. “I
‘Sometimes I can’t find it, and it’s in my faith and knowing of God that carries me. I was born for purpose and to impact people.’
had to get up and show her that life is a fight, but that it’s worth it.”
In 2008, she embarked on her vision to fill the need that existed for external public relations entities. DRT Communications began as a sole trader operation in Danielle’s dining room. The enterprise has since evolved into a limited liability marketing communications agency, being the first in the Caribbean region to offer technology-driven media monitoring services.
With 10 successful years in the business, Danielle promises that DRT will continue to grow as she aims to expand her services across the region.
With the pressure to manage expectations, she confesses that there are days when her confidence is diminished. The antidote to this, she says, is ‘Godfidence’. “Sometimes I can’t find it, and it’s in my faith and knowing of God that carries me. I was born for purpose and to impact people.”
She realised then that your health is the fulcrum on which everything is balanced. “You cannot be your optimum self when your body’s ability to perform is compromised. It is going to affect your energy, mood and subsequently your productivity levels,” shared Danielle. “I have no time to achieve anything without my body and mind in full health.” Resilience of this degree has proved Danielle to be a fighter, not only for herself but for those in need. Modelling a heart of service that has set her apart from many entrepreneurs, she’s very slow to speak of her great deeds, making humility, by far, her most radiant trait. Her story will continue to inspire many. Always to be seen on downtime on a beach where she finds joy, she is a summary of the joy and peace that is manifested through hard work and perseverance.